Infertility and Body Image

Our last blog post linked to the "Booty Pops" story on 9news, which talked about young women and body image. Specifically, young women wearing padded underwear to make for a rounder behind. The premise of the story, as we stated, was the idea that women might be starting to embrace curves more than the thin ideal.

Today, however, I wanted to talk about a different side of a body image. In the "Booty Pops" story, I (Courtney) am quoted saying that here at Greenleaf, we try to encourage women to focus on the function of their body instead of the form. Our bodies allow us to do so many things, and it is important to celebrate those things instead of pick apart our imperfections. However, women struggling with infertility are betrayed by the function of their body as well.

As girls, we are basically indoctrinated to the idea that one day we will be mothers. For many, becoming a mother is as easy as... well, you know. But for others, it is not so simple. Some women spend years trying to get pregnant, and they spend much of those years agonizing over the betrayal of their bodies to fulfill this basic genetic function. Products of evolution, it is deeply encoded in us to reproduce (ever heard that clock just ticking away?), and more than that, we live in a society where motherhood is almost expected. Childless couples are usually peppered with questions about the whens and the whys of their choices about children, when really this may be a very painful subject for them.

I recently heard a statistic that women who become involved with infertility support groups significantly increase their chances of conception. If you are struggling with infertility, don't be ashamed, and don't hesitate to get support. Learning to trust your body again is possible.

Greenleaf in the News: Booty Pops

Last week, Greenleaf was on Channel 9 news talking about body image in a story about "Booty Pops" underwear, a new fad especially popular with teens. The discussion relates to the possibility of a paradigm shift, where women are beginning to embrace curves instead of an ultra-thin ideal. At Greenleaf, we encourage body acceptance through focusing on function over form as it relates to the body. Our bodies are always changing, and we cannot predict what will happen to them over time. However, each day we can love and celebrate our bodies for all they allow us to do, like hug the people we love or ski down a mountain on a sunny day.

Check out the story and video here:

http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=181650

Support Through Community

I (Courtney) spent last weekend at a female-only family reunion. Every year, the women in my husband's family get together for a special weekend of bonding through spending time together. When I first married my husband, I thought it was such a unique thing that the women prioritized time together every year. They welcomed me into their circle, and each year since I've been part of this gathering, our group has grown.

This past weekend, as we discussed the challenges and celebrations in each of our lives over the past year, I was reminded of the importance of receiving support from others. Developmentally, women thrive in relationship with others, including community both with men and other women. I feel so fortunate to be able to receive wisdom from women of several generations, and these various perspectives offer me support in my variety of life roles.

I don't think we were made to go about our lives alone. Our species survived by forming tribes and communities, and it seems like our society is increasingly moving toward isolation, even with all the social networking opportunities available today. There is simply no connection like face-to-face interaction, no support that can be received like that of an in-person conversation. I think that is why therapy can be so meaningful, because of the relationship, particularly when therapy is part of an overall support community in someone's life.

If you feel you are lacking connection, I encourage you to reach out to old friends or family members. Look for groups in your area that interest you - common interests are a natural way to build connection. Make values-oriented decisions toward building community in your life. It takes some effort, but the pay-off is well worth it.